Things to Consider When Buying a Swimming Pool

Purchasing a swimming pool for your home can be a large financial investment. There are many issues to explore and think about before making such a major purchase. Pool People has a few suggestions that making swimming pool maintenance easier and less expensive, that help extend the life of your swimming pool pump and filtration system, as well as things we’ve found that work well for our clients.

First and foremost, we believe you should invest up front in quality equipment. We suggest a sand filter supported by a local maintenance company. While diatomaceous earth and cartridge filters may cost less up front, over time the costs add up to more than what a good sand filter will cost you.

Second, we believe that in-floor cleaning systems, while nice when new, actually end up costing more in maintenance as the system begins to deteriorate.

Third, we suggest you install all the water features you want up front, rather than later. Generally, the cost is less and the quality is better at the time of installation. We recommend that all waterfalls have gunite lips and edges built into the pool shell.

Particularly in Phoenix, the fierce sun can cause swimming pool decking to become blistering hot. There are literally hundreds of choice for pool decking (travertine, flagstone, slate, cement in infinite varieties and color), but we have found that pavers in light colors are a great choice around the pool.

For the interior surface of your swimming pool, the choices are plaster, pebble or tile. While plaster is the cheapest option, it also has the shortest life span. Pebble is a good solid choice and we suggest lighter colors for easier maintenance. Most people have the choice of large or small pebble and we’ve found no major difference in pool maintenance for either — so it is a simple question of personal taste in what you like best for your pool

If you would like to consult with us about what features you should select for your swimming pool system, come into Pool People in Glendale, Arizona. Pool People provides regular pool and spa cleaning, pool and spa maintenance, pool remodeling, pool and spa repairs, as well as tile cleaning for residents of the Northwest Valley in Phoenix. We also have a fully stocked pool store at 5830 W. Thunderbird Rd., Suite B-6, Glendale, AZ.